PREVIEW 'Waiting for Joshua' gets 34west's twist

The play is a mixture of seriousness and humor.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
If you are familiar with 34west Theater Company, you'll know that they have a way of putting their trademark twist on almost all of their productions.
Their upcoming play, "Waiting for Joshua," is no exception. An original play by Stephen Baldwin, it will be performed by him and Jeffrey Querin, both founders and artistic directors of the company. The other company member, Rebecca Whittenberger, will be the "behind the scenes" person.
The play is based on the story of Joshua, from that book in the Old Testament, but the characters in Baldwin's play are not from the Bible, but instead Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye -- or rather, characters similar to them.
"The action is set somewhere in Europe during World War I," said Baldwin. "Even though it is a European battlefront, they are not necessarily fighting for any particular country. The story is still about the Nation of Israel. By putting it in a World War I setting, I thought people would be able to connect with it more and acquire a new perspective."
Interpretation
Baldwin explains his interpretation of the story of Joshua: "The Israelites had been wandering in the desert for 40 years, and were instructed by God to cross the River Jordan to inherit the Promised Land," he said. "So they crossed over and circled the city of Jericho for six days. On the seventh day, they gave a great shout, like a worship song, and the walls fell."
In Baldwin's play, the two main characters are a musical theater team, drafted into the military, a take-off on "White Christmas."
"They are not really fighters, and the play is more about relationships, struggles, life, death, hope and freedom," Baldwin said. "The two characters have a choice whether to stay and hide, or run away."
In addition to these two characters, Baldwin and Querin will also be playing several other roles. "There is a General Joshua and his best friend, Caleb, who become mentors to the others," Baldwin said. "Joshua gives them an assignment to spy on Jericho, using their skills as actors."
Full of humor
And though this may sound all serious, Baldwin said it is filled with humor, and of course music, as is typical of 34west. "We will be singing old spirituals, such as 'Joshua Fit' de Battle of Jericho,' and "I'm on My Way,' which speaks of crossing over Jordan into a new and better life. Another song is an original -- a parody on 'Gee, I Wish I was Back in the Army,' [from 'White Christmas']. It is called 'Gee, I Wish I Could go Back to Enslavery.'"
Both Baldwin and Querin have performed modern interpretations of inspirational stories with various troupes around the country. "Our shows always encourage people with messages of hope, joy, and laughter," notes Baldwin.
As usual, this Boardman-based group will perform their play as dinner theater entertainment at the sumptuous Das Dutch Village Inn in Columbiana. Their buffet meals are superb, featuring a number of entrees, potatoes, assorted vegetables, salad, rolls and a choice of desserts, including diabetic.